9 Incredible Ways Ecotherapy Impacts Wellness

Do you find yourself stuck in a cycle where nothing ever changes? Perhaps you are looking for healing, or a distraction from personal or work problems. One way to overcome this is by reconnecting with nature. Ecotherapy is a popular de-stressing method that can help you.

People naturally have ties to the environment, after all, it is essential for living. There are different approaches to ecotherapy. It also has multiple benefits to psychological, cognitive, and physical wellness. 

Why should you consider Ecotherapy?

Ecotherapy is built on the value of environmental connection to humans. It is meant to restore connection with nature through engaging activities to stimulate the senses and become physically and emotionally present.

Different forms of ecotherapy can include passive, active, and transformative types. Each kind of activity brings different benefits, but as a collective, they can positively impact one’s well-being.

1. Passive – Experiencing the natural environment through laid-back and loosely structured activities.

• Walking or jogging
• Park visits (active parks, ecotherapy exercise circuits)
• Forest bathing
• Eco-art

2. Active – Physical activity within a natural environment.

• Cycling
• Outdoor exercise, yoga (laughter and dance yoga, Tai Qi Gong exercises)
• Adventure/wilderness therapy
• Animal-assisted therapy

3. Transformative – Activities that help shape the environment.

• Horticultural therapy (farming, gardening, plant-related activities)
• Environmental conservation activities
• Recycling and composting

People are connected to nature and the longer time spent without it, the more this connection is lost. Without this close bond with nature, humans tend to become more emotionally or physically unwell – a case that is prevalent amidst high technological advancements and rapid urbanization. The benefits of ecotherapy are largely holistic, contributing to overall physical and mental wellness.

9 Powerful Benefits of Ecotherapy for Healthy Living

1. Lowers symptoms of anxiety and depression

Ecotherapy can serve as an alternative or complement to psychological intervention for individuals diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies show that people who are going through psychological problems benefit from therapeutic activities conducted in nature. They reported improved mood and positive experiences in the outdoors compared to therapy sessions confined within an office building. 

2. Reduces stress and promotes mindfulness

Activities such as animal-assisted therapy lowers cortisol levels. Interaction with animals such as petting and playing with them reduces stress and feelings of loneliness. Some petting zoos or farms allow feeding and other interaction with animals.

Outdoor meditation and yoga is another way to promote mindfulness. Basking in the beauty of nature can help with introspection and nurture intrapersonal connection.

3. Improves focus and engagement

People tend to experience brain fog and reduced cognitive function when stressed. Being immersed in nature, like forest bathing and adventuring, helps improve one’s focus and promotes active participation in their current environment.

4. Promotes physical health and mobility

For those with limited mobility, especially the elderly or differently abled, even simple walks through a garden can benefit their physical health. Ecotherapy is one of the more cost-effective and easier ways to experience nature and keep you fit.

Urban active parks are designed with fitness in mind – outdoor gyms and playgrounds are designed to engage both youths and adults in physical activity, at the same time, immersing in the green environment.

5. Fosters social connection

Team-building activities for corporate workers is a healthy way to develop problem-solving and coordination skills with peers. This also promotes healthy connections outside of the workplace. Special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays can be organized in outdoor venues as well, integrating a touch of nature rather than typical event themes.

Outdoor group activities like hiking, farming, adventuring, tree planting, or clean-ups encourage forming bonds with fellow participants. Who knows, you could make a friend or two over shared hobbies. 

6. Offers a change of pace

Adults who find themselves stuck in the humdrum of a 9 to 5 may find excitement in nature. Ecotherapy impacts their well-being positively by offering something to look forward to away from the workplace. You might encounter interesting interactions or notice things you would typically overlook.

7. Development of emotional resilience

Besides improving mental health, ecotherapy can help people develop emotional resilience. Greenery stimulates the senses and helps ground one’s emotions. People who are psychologically unwell may find calm and stability in nature. This can also be treated as a healthy distraction from daily emotional stressors.

8. Complements other forms of recovery and therapy

Ecotherapy is highly beneficial to people who are recovering from addiction and other disorders. Nature engagement can complement clinical therapy by reintegrating one into society by fostering connections with the environment. Growth and stability in nature also help them develop a more optimistic outlook in life. 

9. Heals environmental concerns

Global warming, climate change, and pollution are only a few of the long-seated environmental concerns. Understandably, more and more people are growing anxious about what kind of future the human race is headed towards. Environmental conservation techniques such as tree planting, coastal clean-ups, and farming are active ways to positively transform nature.

ALSO READ: Everything You Need to Know About Earthing and Grounding for Health

Though ecotherapy can be done individually, in a group, or with a professional, it is undeniable that reconnecting with nature can ignite a hopeful flame in people. In a technologically advanced world that’s moving too fast for some, nature can help you slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the peaceful moments.

If you’re looking for a place to begin your immersive ecotherapy and wellness journey, check out Nurture Wellness Village’s spa and wellness packages. Contact us today to find out more.